Rabbit Awareness Week 2017

8th Jun 2017

During RAW we will be offering free health checks for local rabbits, with our nurses!

So it doesn't matter if your rabbits have never been to us before, it's the perfect opportunity to get them health checked by the experts!

Just call us on 01858 462 839 to make an appointment.

RAW, 17th - 25th June 2017, is an important week for rabbits as it is the biggest rabbit care and welfare campaign in the UK. Rabbits are the 4th most popular pet in the UK which is why it is so important to keep people informed about rabbit welfare.

5 Rabbit Welfare Needs

1. Environment

Did you know that a wild rabbit’s territory is equivalent to around 30 tennis courts? Running around such large areas every day keeps wild rabbits fit and healthy, so we need to give our pet rabbits the opportunity to have lots of exercise. They should not be confined to a hutch.

2. Diet

We know fibre is absolutely essential for our rabbits' dental, digestive and emotional health. Good quality feeding hay and fresh grass should make up the majority of a rabbit’s diet and should available at all times. A rabbit’s diet needs to be made up of 85 - 90% feeding hay and grass (that equal to their body size every day!), 10% greens and 5% nuggets.

3. Behaviour

Create a ‘wild’ environment for your rabbits! In the wild, rabbits have plenty to keep them occupied, from foraging to reproduction to territorial defence. Pet rabbits, on the other hand, often lack stimulation, which can lead to behavioural problems and poor health. Much like humans, they need to be kept physically and mentally active.

4. Company

People don’t realise that rabbits are incredibly social animals and if left without appropriate company and things to do for a long time they can suffer. Many owners keep a rabbit alone in a hutch, but this leads to a miserable lifestyle for rabbits. Rabbits have complex social needs and are happiest when kept with another friendly rabbit - therefore, rabbits should ideally live in friendly pairs or groups. However, keeping the wrong pairings together can lead to unwanted kittens (baby rabbits) and/or fighting. Neutering is recommended to prevent unwanted babies (kits).

5. Health

Keeping your rabbits fit and healthy is vital to ensure a long, happy and fulfilling life. Rabbits can be prone to some health issues which can prove challenging to treat, but can often be easily prevented if you know how. Good care, appropriate feeding and other appropriate measures such as vaccination are key.